Photowalker

January 24, 2010

Caracol was conceptualized in 1986 and ushered in the Fiesta Islands Program of the Department of Tourism (DOT) in 1989. It features students from the city’s public schools wearing nature-inspired costumes and performing dances, with the objective of instilling appreciation and respect for the bounty of Mother Earth and making them active participants in the protection and conservation of nature.

Participants convened at the Gabriela Silang Car Park at the corner of Ayala and Makati Avenues at 3pm for a grand parade along Ayala Avenue that ends at the corners of Paseo and Ayala Avenue.

Hundreds of students from selected public schools representing the different school divisions and levels of Makati took part in the event.

Elementary Level:
West Rembo Elementary School representing Makati I division
Rizal Elementary School for Makati II
Hen. Pio del Pilar Elementary School Main for Makati III
Maximo Estrella, F. Benitez Main, Nicanor Garcia & Jose Magsaysay Elementary Schools for Makati IV
Cembo Elementary School for Makati V
San Antonio Village Elementary School for Makati VI.

Secondary level:
Bangkal High School
Benigno Aquino High School
Fort Bonifacio High School
Gen. Pio del Pilar National High School
Makati High School
Makati Science High School
San Antonio National High School
San Isidro National High School
Tibagan High School.

Four groups from four different colleges of the University of Makati will vie for the title in the tertiary level.

The highlight of the festivity was the costume and dance competition wherein the participants, all dressed-up in colorful Mother Earth-inspired costumes such as flowers, fruits, trees, and rare animals, performed ethnic and tribal dances.

The Museum and Cultural Affairs Office provided different themes for the three categories. Endangered species (except marine life) for the Elementary level, flowers and insects for the High School level, and marine life for the Tertiary level.

Consisting of 40 members each, every group has been given P45,000 as their participating allowance.

The contestants will compete for trophies and cash prizes as follows: First Prize – P50,000; Second Prize – P45,000; and Third Prize – P40,000. The overall champion of the contest will likewise receive P50,000.

Special awards will also be given for the Most Original Costume and Best in Choreography, including a cash prize of P10,000 for each winning group.